Spotify and Travis Scott might have just delivered the best-ever collaboration between football and music.

In their latest artist-led activation, Spotify partnered with Travis for a weekend takeover in Barcelona – including an exclusive live show on the eve of El Clásico and a full capsule collection drop.

The VERSUS team break down why the collaboration resonated so strongly and how it could redefine future partnerships between artists and football clubs.

Elsewhere, we explore the WSL’s recent rebrand – analysing the response and what it means for the league’s identity moving forward. We also dig into the discourse around Trent Alexander-Arnold following his Liverpool exit announcement and how fan treatment reflects wider issues in the game.

The Future of Football is a podcast from VERSUS, bringing you closer to the people, stories and ideas shaping the future of the game we love.

Mayowa Quadri (@mayowaquadri_)
Corey Pellatt (@coreypellatt)
Amie Cripps (@AmiLouCri)

Ep. 59: Travis Scott’s Barcelona Takeover, The WSL’s Rebrand and Trent’s Treatment

Chelsea’s domestic treble is the latest proof that proper investment drives success in the women’s game — and with fresh backing from Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian, the Blues are only getting stronger.

The VERSUS team break down what this game-changing move means for the WSL, and what other clubs can learn from it.

We also dive into the rise of the underdog, as Crystal Palace lift their first-ever major trophy, and explore why football needs more stories like theirs. Plus, we give Jamie Vardy his flowers as he closes the curtain on a legendary chapter with Leicester.

The Future of Football is a podcast from VERSUS, bringing you closer to the people, stories and ideas shaping the next era of the game.

Mayowa Quadri (@mayowaquadri_)
Ahmed Shooble (@ahmedshooble)
Amie Cripps (@AmiLouCri)

Ep. 60: Chelsea's Continued investment, Why Football Needs More Underdogs and Jamie Vardy Praise

Just as Boots Only Summer has arrived, Nike begin the roll-out for their new Cryoshot silhouette. It’s an innovative new drop, but it's not the first time the Swoosh has transformed football boots into sneakers.

The VERSUS team breaks down why Nike is doubling down on this approach after the relaunch of the Total 90.

We also dive into why the Unity Cup was such a success, and why the media terming Black players as arrogant is a dangerous narrative.

The Future of Football is a podcast from VERSUS, bringing you closer to the people, stories and ideas shaping the next era of the game.

Mayowa Quadri (@mayowaquadri_)
Ahmed Shooble (@ahmedshooble)
Johnny Kay (@Ojhnyn)

Ep. 61: The Nike Cryoshot and Why the Unity Cup Meant So Much

As headline sponsors of Baller League, O2 invited us down to take over the O2 Blueroom and create a bespoke space for O2 Priority members, Baller League talent, and VIP guests ahead of the night’s action. With DJ Teddy supplying the vibes, and an all-star crowd in attendance, the O2 Blueroom set the tone for a huge finale.

VERSUS hosted a ‘Future of Football’ panel led by the brand’s very own Chief Commercial Officer, Johnny Kay. With the conversation exploring how Baller League is shaping the future of the game across fashion, content and community — with insights from footballers Albie Sheehan-Cozens and Bryan Ly, as well as content creators Anita Abayomi and Cameron Babayemi aka Culture Cams.

Ep. 62: Baller League Final Four Live from the O2 Blueroom

England are headlining another summer of women’s football with a Euros final on the horizon – but while Europe takes the spotlight, too many stories from the women’s game around the world are still going untold.

The VERSUS team breaks down why women’s football outside Europe deserves more respect, and explores the reasons why the coverage gap at tournaments like WAFCON and Copa América Femenina exists.

We also debate whether nostalgia in football-fashion is eating itself – sparked by Chelsea’s latest OVO collab – and unpack why Marcus Rashford’s move to Barcelona feels like so much more than just a transfer.

The Future of Football is a podcast from VERSUS, bringing you closer to the people, stories and ideas shaping the next era of the game.

Got something to say? Send your questions and hot takes to The Admin: mailbag@versus.uk.com

Mayowa Quadri (@mayowaquadri_)
Corey Pellatt (CoreyPellatt)
Amie Cripps (@AmiLouCri)
Johnny Kay (Ojhnyn)

Ep. 63: Women’s Football Beyond Europe, Nostalgia Overload, and Rashford’s Liberation

Women's football is about to blow up. Again.

With England still celebrating the second consecutive European crown, the WSL starting the new season with competitive changes, and WAFCON making more headlines than ever – the stage is set for the women's game to undergo another big boom.

The VERSUS team breaks down why English football can't afford to make the same mistakes twice, the biggest changes from England's win three years ago, and why misogyny is still a bigger problem than ever.

We also look at the latest chapter in Dele Alli and why his life and career deserve far more credit than mainstream media ever gives it.

Got something you want us to discuss? Send your questions and topics: mailbag@versus.uk.com 

Mayowa Quadri (@mayowaquadri_)
Corey Pellatt (CoreyPellatt)
Johnny Kay (Ojhnyn)

Ep. 64: What Comes Next for Women's Football?

The Barclays WSL has returned for its biggest ever season and VERSUS has linked up with Sky Sports to drop the ultimate guide for a brand new season.

Hosted by Mayowa Quadri, ‘Welcome Home’ is a hype show for the new season that goes deep on some of the most important issues in the game and its wider culture right now.

From breaking down the biggest transfers of the summer to exploring how Chloe Kelly’s status as a national icon will grow the game, we’ve pulled together some of the biggest and best voices in the space to analyse the culture of the WSL like never before.

Joining Mayowa are journalist and broadcaster Fadumo Olow, presenter and writer Marva Kreel, and football-culture content creator Tiannah Pedler.

Sky Sports is the home of the WSL this season, broadcasting 90% of all live games as part of a historic five-year partnership.

Why You Need to Lock In to the WSL This Season | Welcome Home with Sky Sports

Are the people who vote for the Ballon d'Or winner actually watching women's football?

The VERSUS team break down the controversy surrounding the 2025 Ballon d'Or Féminin winner and assess the prize's relevance in contemporary football culture. We also look at why players are freeing it more than ever on social, Moise Kean's arrival on the EA Sports FC soundtrack, and pay tribute to the life and career of Matt Beard.

Got something you want us to discuss? Email mailbag@versus.uk.com.

Host: @mayowaquadri
Cast: @CoreyPellatt @AmiLouCri

Ep. 65: Ballon d'Or Féminin, Player Power and Honouring Matt Beard

The Future of Football is a new podcast from VERSUS that brings you closer to the people, the stories, and the ideas that are shaping the future of the game we love. Every episode, we’ll be breaking down some of the biggest talking points from the cultural, social and business sides of the sport, giving you unrivalled insight into the off-pitch issues taking football to a new era.

Ep. 61: The Nike Cryoshot and Why the Unity Cup Meant So Much

The Future of Football

Related tracks